Killifish / Aphanius mento – How I Hatch & Breed Them Today I’m talking about Aphanius mento — and this will be fairly quick, mainly because by the time you receive the eggs… they’ve often already started hatching. That’s just the nature of this species. Why They Hatch So Fast Unlike most annual killifish, Aphanius mento has a very short incubation period: Typically 7–15 days In my...
Today I’m talking about Ophthalmolebias bokermanni — an annual killifish from Brazil with a Latin name that’s not exactly easy to pronounce. If you’re new to annuals, this is important: Don’t just tip the eggs into water the day they arrive and expect them to hatch. This species has an incubation period of 4 to 6 months, and how you store the eggs during that time makes all the difference...
I recently received another batch of annual killifish eggs — this time Xenurolebias pataxo. These eggs were collected on the 16th of April, and the incubation period for this species is roughly 2–3 months. So technically, I shouldn’t even have been looking at them for another four weeks. But here’s where experience (and curiosity) kicks in. When Eggs Don’t Follow the Rules While checking the...
The third bag of eggs I received was Hypsolebias sertanejo – another annual killifish, and like most annuals, patience is key. This species has an incubation period of 2 to 6 months. The eggs I received had already been in peat for around two months, so they were potentially close — but not guaranteed. First Inspection – Not Ready Yet I had a quick look through the bag and couldn’t see any eyed...
Here’s another annual killifish I’ve been working with – Spectrolebias brousseaui. A stunning little species, but I’ll say this straight away… not one for beginners. Incubation – Patience Is Everything The incubation period for Spectrolebias brousseaui is at least 3 to 5 months. The batch I was dealing with had only been collected about a month earlier, so realistically I knew they wouldn’t be...
Why Pre-Rooted Mats Make Planting 10× Easier (And Why I Started Growing Them) Let’s be honest. Planting stem plants the “traditional” way is mildly irritating at best and tank-rage inducing at worst. You trim them.You grab your tweezers.You plant them perfectly.You sit back feeling accomplished. Then your filter flow kicks in and half of them float to the surface like they’ve decided this isn’t...
Alternanthera reineckii “Mini” Aquarium Plant Profile 1. Introduction Among the myriad of options available, Alternanthera Reineckii “Mini” stands out as a gem amongf aquarium plants. Its vibrant hues and delicate foliage add depth and character to any aquatic landscape. Aquariums / Terrariums Substrate (Fine Sand/Gravel) Emersed / Submersed Carpeting / Mid Ground Tropical...
The Enigmatic Beauty: Unveiling Cryptocoryne nurii 1. Introduction For aquarists seeking a truly unique and visually captivating plant, Cryptocoryne nurii is a remarkable choice. Often known by its charming trade name “Rose Maiden,” this beautiful Cryptocoryne variant stands out with its distinctive wavy leaves and a stunning blend of deep green, bronze, and reddish hues, often...
The Resilient Jewel: Discovering Cryptocoryne beckettii ‘Petchii’ 1. Introduction For aquarists seeking a compact yet captivating plant that offers striking coloration and robust growth, Cryptocoryne beckettii ‘Petchii’ is an exceptional choice. This beautiful variant of Cryptocoryne beckettii boasts unique purplish-red undersides to its leaves, providing a delightful...
The Fiery Beauty: Unveiling Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Mi Oya’ 1. Introduction For aquarists seeking a splash of warm, earthy tones and interesting leaf textures, Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Mi Oya’ / Red Wendtii stands out as a truly captivating plant. This particular variant of the popular Cryptocoryne wendtii group offers a unique aesthetic with its reddish-brown, with its leaves...